Zamani
Cheltenham, Hawling, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Ancient Cotswolds barn meets contemporary charm at this luxury self-catering country house near Cheltenham. Framed by rolling countryside with roses and Virginia creeper dancing across its golden stone façade, this is bucolic Britain at its best. Whether a stylish sanctuary for a large family gathering, or a private retreat to retire to with friends after fun-filled antics at a Cotswold sporting event, Zamani ensures a blissful escape for up to ten guests and two dogs.
Introduction
Once belonging to Sudeley Castle Estate and later to Hawling Manor, when the latest owners moved from their Kenyan home to this 17th century barn near Cheltenham they wanted to gift it a new identity. Drawing upon influences of their family travels, they filled it with Indian fabrics, furnishings from Zanzibar and big slabs of oak usually seen in safari lodges. The unique combination of organic materials and contemporary design features create a striking juxtaposition of elements. A real haven for self-catering groups; those looking for a one-of-a-kind luxury country house in glorious Cotswolds countryside need look no further.
Inside
In the pretty village of Hawling, Zamani offers a blissful sanctuary for families and friends. Enjoy indulgent breakfast spreads and dinner parties in the striking glass dining room, where a polished concrete floor and zingy orange chairs contrast the backdrop of old Cotswold stone. In summer it's all Champagne afternoons, whilst winters here are made of Aga-cooked suppers and roaring log fires. For a bedtime that can’t come quick enough, the main house comprises three doubles, one twin and one single bedroom, each dressed in bedspreads handmade from pure silk Indian saris, while the studio annex has its own king-size bed.
Outside
Families can look forward to an array of wholesome and high society pastimes at Zamani. Cavort around the Cotswold countryside, have a flutter on the races or explore the tangle of iconic, golden-hued villages nearby. Pay a visit to the fascinating time capsule of Arlington Row, cottages believed to have been built in the late 1300's as a monastic wool store, before returning to Zamani and getting lost within its secret gardens and terraces. Guests of all ages will love to reconnect and run wild within the house’s grounds; the ultimate English country garden designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner Julian Dowle.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 10 guests
- Alternative group optionUp to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe main house has five first floor bedrooms, one double bedroom with king-size bed and en suite bathroom with shower, two double bedrooms one twin bedroom with access to a Jack and Jill shower room, and one single bedroom. Also in the main house is a first floor family bathroom and separate shower room, plus two ground floor WCs. The studio annex has a double bedroom with king-size bed and en suite shower room.
View bedrooms - FeaturesPool table
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThis luxury country home has parking for several cars. The drive is private but access is occasionally needed for the nearby stables. The house has two fridge-freezers, two dishwashers, an Aga, induction hob, washing machine and dryer. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds.
- Homestay includesHand-picked wines, LG soundbar, Nespresso machine, Sonos multi-room sound system, 4k 56" LG TV, Panasonic Blu-ray DVD player, board games, iPad, WiFi internet, charcoal barbecue, linen, towels, logs and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Private cateringDiscover your options for private dining and fully catered breaks.
- Additional extrasA handpicked selection of unique experiences are available at this property.
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner, fireworks are not permitted.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Hawling
To the north of the iconic Cotswolds countryside is this little English village, oozing country charm with picture-postcard stone cottages. Perfectly positioned close to Gloucestershire attractions, Hawling village is a serene base for days out.
Getting there
- On the Map Zamani is set in the village of Hawling near Cheltenham in the Cotswolds.
- By Car This luxury Cotswolds home is approximately two hours drive from London and twenty minutes from Cheltenham.
- By Train Both Kingham and Cheltenham Spa train stations are approximately twenty minutes' drive away, with regular services to London and Bristol.
- By Air Bristol airport is an hour and fifteen minutes' drive away, whilst Heathrow is one and a half hours away by car. Helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds of Zamani.
From the owner
“We had moved to the UK from Kenya where our children were born and fell in love with the house before we had even stepped inside. We just loved how the back of the house overlooks the best of the Cotswolds rolling hills from every window. From that moment we knew we had to have it.”
The barn was originally built in the 17th century and was part of the Sudeley Castle Estate at nearby Winchcombe. It was converted to a house in the early 1980s at which point it was being used as a hay store.
We moved here in 1995 from Kenya, when the property sat in a field with no garden to speak of. The garden was designed by Chelsea Gold Medal Winner Julian Dowle and in 2006 we extended the property to add the glass extension and open up the kitchen together with a new boot/dog room and laundry room and larder.
The decor of the house is influenced by our connections to both Africa and India. Artefacts and artwork from our family travels make our home unique.
The house sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are numerous beautiful walks, cycle routes and bridlepaths nearby without ever getting into your car. The village of Hawling is quiet and peaceful and there are beautiful views over rolling Cotswolds countryside in all directions.
The Sumaria Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Hawling with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Cotswolds Villages
The picturesque Cotswolds villages such as Burford, Stow-On-The-Wold, Upper Slaughter and Bourton-on-the-Water are delightful to explore; from their abundance of cosy tea rooms to unusual boutiques to pretty parks.
To Eat
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach
A lovely local inn with a roaring log fire in winter and a nice garden seating area in summer, owned by Zamani´s neighbours at Hawling Manor. The food is good, the atmosphere relaxed and friendly and the bar often propped up by locals!
To See
Blenheim Palace
Home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough this beautiful palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Don´t let the distance put you off - it doesn´t take that long and is worth a visit.
To Do
CP&Y: The Yoga Studio
Choose from over 50 mat and equipment classes per week as well as lots of private one-to-one sessions with CP&Y Yoga. Perfect for refocusing the mind and loosening tight muscles, you will leave feeling utterly relaxed and revitalised.
Guest Testimonials
What a beautiful home, garden and location! We were lucky enough to have gorgeous weather and have thoroughly enjoyed our time at Zamani, thank you for such a lovely stay.
A wonderful location to celebrate our grandad’s 70th birthday! Inclement weather enhanced the cosy ambience, comfort and excellent facilities of your beautiful home. Many thanks, we would love to come back!
We chose this house as a family to celebrate our parents diamond wedding anniversary and it was a brilliant choice! It accommodated everyone so well and had everything you could wish for. Thank you for a beautiful stay, you really do have a gorgeous home and garden.
Thank you for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home to celebrate my wife’s 80th birthday with all of our family. We have all enjoyed the most memorable weekend and you truly have a beautiful house and fabulous gardens with wonderful views. Thank you!
Zamani is a truly beautiful house but also a family home, well equipped and full of wonderful items along with a delightful garden. The bed linen was crisp and delicious to sleep in, and there were many extra little touches like lovely hand lotions, liquid soaps, and flowers upon arrival. The housekeeper does an excellent job too! I had reason to communicate with the owner and she too is a lovely lady and was very pleasant to deal with! We so enjoyed our stay there and would be happy to go again!
What a truly amazing house and location, our week has been full of laughs and magical moments helped along by wine and ciders! We are sad to be leaving but are six very happy adults and three very happy children. Thank you!
Thank you for letting us stay at your lovely home, it has been wonderful. We are about to embark on a house renovation project and your kitchen and dining room as well as all decor throughout have been a real source of inspiration and new ideas. Thank you!
We love the Cotswolds and Zamani was just perfect for us. Beautiful house with newly refurbished bathrooms, lovely kitchen and dining, we truly enjoyed it. The hostess was very welcoming and accommodating. We loved it so much that we returned to the property for another week. We hope to visit it in the future again as our whole family was very happy to be there. Thank you!
We had a really wonderful stay at Zamani. Our expectations were exceeded in terms of the location and property. Truly beautiful. On top of that, the host was very welcoming and even answered some questions we had during the week, via sms. The configuration of the house was ideal for a large group that included small children. We also hired a chef for one night - Paul at Tailor Made Top Nosh. I would highly recommend him. The food and service was outstanding and Paul was a very charismatic character. We would love to return another time.
Unique extras
Enhance your stay with a unique experience from one of our preferred suppliers. From professional in-house chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and wine delivered to the door, see what’s on offer for your bespoke escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
The Lost Cottage
Country Living Modern Rustic
March 2023Cool cottages for spring
The Times
March 2023Inside The Fable x The White Company
House & Garden
March 2023The best summer party villas
The Times
February 2023How to maximise travels in 2023
The Telegraph
February 2023The best beach villas
The Times
February 2023What´s in store for 2023 staycations?
The Telegraph
February 2023Idyllic Valentine´s Day cottages
House & Garden
February 2023
Collections > Alternative Group Option > UK > Gloucestershire > Hawling > Zamani
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
